Realistic? (Read 1137 times)

You should be able to complete a half marathon.

 

You may want to look at increasing your weekly mileage to something like 20 miles per week though.

 

Others will have more detailed / better advice.

I totally agree with the others that have posted before me... doable?  Absolutely, get the mileage up a bit...

 

As for realistic?  Really depends on what you consider semi-respectable.  If you have a specific time goal, search for a decent half marathon training plan and be purposeful in your training (not just go out and run what you feel each day, but mixing in some long runs/hill work/speed work, etc... 

 

Best of luck and congrats on the 7.77... here's to 8.88!!!

I'll agree with everyone else here, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to make a half.  I ran my first whole almost exactly a year after I started running.  If, at a minimum, you keep running 3 days a week, work you long run to 12 miles, and get your average to 15 you will survive.  Mileage beyond that will make you faster and let you enjoy the experience more. 

 

About you longest 7.77 not feeling easy, that is normal in my experience.  The longest distance in my regular routine, at any given time period, is never comfortable for the last 10% or so.  If I am doing 15 mile long runs I start to get tired at 13-14, if 20 miles then around 18 or so.  It all depends on where you are at in a training cycle.  My point is, your longest run will always feel long, just keep adding on a bit at a time and you will adapt.  If you wait until a distance feels comfortable and easy to extend it you might not progress as fast as you can.

 

I have never been one for strict training plans.  I usually keep a general idea of my weekly mileage goal and the type of speed work and long runs I want, and work them in as time, life, health and recovery permit.  Maybe I would be faster if I was more regimented, however, I might also be more cranky and injured too.  I guess training should suit your goals and personality.

 

For my first half I think I was running 5 days a week, averaging about 25-30 miles and a long run of 13 (I never went over 13 b/c I wanted the half to my first time hitting the distance).  I remember coming through it easily and thinking it was not as much of a challenge as I expected it to be.

 

Good luck!

This is very realistic. I've been running for 5 years and ran the same weekly milage and speed as you during those 5 years. Last summer, I decide to run a half marathon and started to increase my miles and worked on my speed a little. I got up to about 25 miles per week. My goal was to get in 100 miles per month. I slowly started to get stronger and faster. I peaked at 30 miles per week a few weeks before the big day. My finish time was 1:38:53 at around 7:32/mi. pace this past Jan. 17. I plan to run another half April 11th with a goal of 1:35. Then, a full marathon by the end of the year. If I can do it, anyone can to the same. I plan to continue to slowly increase my miles over time. Right now, I'm at 35 miles per week. On my way to 50 per week.

My wife thinks I run too much as well. I ask my wife and kids to watch me race and they are proud when I finish. Most of my runs don't get in the way of family time. I'm done with my long runs before the family gets up. If you're running first thing in the morning, I don't see why this is an issue with your wife unless this is the only time you guys spend time together. Get her involved. Show her how fast you're getting or how much further you can run. She might get proud and encourage you.

Good luck! You'll do fine.

I agree with everyone else that your goal is completely realistic.   For my first half marathon (of only two), I followed the Coolrunning Beginner HM plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/134.shtml  Based on what you said about your mileage, it might be a good fit for you.